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In the wake of the Allied
resurgence in the summer and autumn of 1918 - with the breaking of the
Hindenburg Line in Flanders and in the Argonne - and with the sudden
collapse of its own allies - the German High Command came to the conclusion
that the war could not be won.

Reproduced below is the
text of the Kaiser's appeal to the army dated 6 October 1918.

Kaiser Wilhelm II's
Proclamation to the Army, 6 October 1918

For months past the enemy, with enormous exertions and almost without pause in
the fighting, has stormed against your lines.

In weeks of the struggle, often
without repose, you have had to persevere and resist a numerically far superior
enemy. Therein lies the greatness of the task which has been set for you and
which you are fulfilling. Troops of all the German States are doing their part
and are heroically defending the Fatherland on foreign soil. Hard is the task.

My navy is holding its own against the united enemy naval forces and is
unwaveringly supporting the army in its difficult struggle.

The eyes of those at home rest with pride and admiration on the deeds of the
army and navy. I express to you the thanks of myself and the Fatherland.

The collapse of the Macedonian front has occurred in the midst of the hardest
struggle. In accord with our allies, I have resolved once more to offer peace to
the enemy, but I will only extend my hand for an honourable peace. We owe that to
the heroes who have laid down their lives for the Fatherland, and we make that
our duty to our children.

Whether arms will be lowered still is a question. Until then we must not
slacken. We must, as hitherto, exert all our strength tirelessly to hold our
ground against the onslaught of our enemies.

The hour is grave, but, trusting in your strength and in God's gracious help, we
feel ourselves to be strong enough to defend our beloved Fatherland.